Meet the Ambassador - Spain

Spain is the fourth largest economy in the EU and second largest exporter of goods and services. It has a sophisticated manufacturing sector, including military hardware which it also exports to Australia. It has been a significant source of supply and support for Ukraine, taking more than 170,000 Ukrainian refugees since the Russian invasion.

Spain's appointment of an Ambassador for the Indo-Pacific reflects the region's growing strategic importance to Spain and the wealth of opportunities for cooperation in the critical realms of economics and cyber security. The appointment follows the establishment of the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific in 2021, which characterised the region as the 'world's economic and strategic centre of gravity' and expressed the EU's commitment to deepen cooperation in ocean governance, health, research and technology, security and defence, and climate change.

Australia and Spain work closely in the multilateral arena, sharing the importance of the international rules-based order, free trade, human rights, gender equality and inclusive economic growth. In June 2022, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese undertook the first visit to Spain by an Australian Prime Minister. The meeting reaffirmed the importance of our strong investment and trade relationship, particularly in our infrastructure, renewable energy and transport sectors, and reaffirmed the conclusion of the EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement as a key priority.

Explore these and other dimensions of the relationship in the next instalment of our Meet the Ambassador series. AIIA Victoria invites you to join HE Ms Alicia Moral Revilla in conversation with former ambassador John Richardson.

AIIA Victoria gratefully acknowledges the the Walter Mangold Trust Fund for their support of our young members.

To download the pdf flyer please click here.

Please note that this event will be held under the CHATHAM HOUSE RULE​ and is in-person only.